Description

The rock is similar stone to Eldo, and not like the softer sandstone that is primarily in the area. There was a write up in Rock and Ice (Miniguide in Rock and Ice #89, December 1998, Cover photo is a guy ice climbing) that gives a good description. Lots of hard problems with a flat landing...

Getting There

It is right in the middle of Matthew Winters Park. The main trailhead is just south of I-70, and the Morrison exit. There is an easier way to get to the boulder than approaching from this trailhead, but, I wouldnt know how to describe it without getting somebody lost. So, to approach it from the main trailhead... Park at the West parking lot, and follow the trail into the valley. Where it splits, take the lower trail (take a left). After, I guess, about 1/2 mile or so of easy biking/running trail, you will see a big square boulder about 100 yards downhill on your left. It's pretty obvious when you get there.

Rattlesnakes

Please be aware that there are rattlesnakes near and under this boulder!

pretty cool chunk of rock, and most of the stuff is indeed very difficult, although there are a few moderate problems on the right-hand side of the northern face with nice top-outs and good landings...should you fall.

The MB can also be reached by taking the main entrance into Red Rocks (i.e. Jewel/Alameda goes across C470, along Dinasaur Ridge, back down the other side, then into Red Rocks). Go about a mile up the road. When it turns South, a dirt parking lot will appear on the left. From here, one can cross the road and take the RR trail into Jeffco (Matthews/Winters). After a series of switchbacks along a beautiful red wall, a fork occurs. Either continue up and have a nice hike, or take the trail right, below the ridge. After about 1/2 mile you will see the MB downhill on the right. Keep going past it till you find the trail. Watch for cacti, snakes, slumbering elk, and prarie dog holes.

This comment may be worth bringing up to the level of a forum discussion. It concerns our preparedness to handle snake bite while out at the crags. My impression is that few of us are capable of an appropriate, effective, and timely response to snake bite.

I was bouldering at The Millenium Boulder last weekend, near the end of September, and really enjoying the fall evening, flat landings, and nasty hard problems. Initially there were several other people at the crag. As the sun dipped below the hills, the other climbers departed, but I stayed on until dusk, when the temperature started to fall. I hiked out using the climber's access trail. About half way up, I took a step with my foot just about to drop onto rattlesnake coiled up directly in the path. My readjustment left my foot well within striking range of the snake. Fortunately, he did not even flinch.

Several things struck me about this close encounter. First, the climbers trail winds through very dense vegetation, is very narrow, and provides the only good place for the snake to warm itself. Second, during these warm evenings the snakes will be about catching the last rays, just like us. Third, I was completely unprepared to do anything other than wrap a tourniquette above a bite. I had waited to leave until all the others were gone, so no help was immediately available. I had a cell phone, although it was unlikely to bring help in timely fashion. I did not carry a knife.

If you are bitten while significantly far from help, how many of us know what do and are in a position to do something? We can all throw the tourniquette. But, how many of us can, or are even capable, of cutting the bite. Do we know how to make the cut? How deep to make it? The chances are high that a bite would occur on the lower leg. Can any of us suck out the venom by ourselves? It would be easy to imagine being stranded as the light is failing and parks clearing out without the proper recourse.

I don't think that this is cause for any great concern. However, I do think that it is important to have an appropriate, effective, and timely plan in mind in the event that you are bitten. Bear in mind that a bite from a western timber rattler will indeed kill you unless you spring into action immediately.

Well, the rattlesnake discussion from a few years ago is still relevant: While bouldering at the Millenium Boulder today, I came across two rattlesnakes on the south side of the boulder while trying to warm up. I walked around from the west side of the boulder and down the trail to the first ledge to hand traverse on, and as soon as I pulled on and started moving I heard a rattlesnake 'rattling' and moving through the grass underneath me. I immediately pulled on the ledge and sat down, trying to see where it went, but it had already moved under the boulder. While taking a deep breath sitting there trying to calm down, I noticed another one just laying there in the grass all curled up and comfy looking. Both these guys were only about a foot from the actual 'trail' that goes around the boulder, well within striking distance.

I had always heard to watch for snakes here but had never seen one, although when walking down the trail today I was actively scanning for them, probably the first time I ever really have. After not seeing any again, I put the thought aside and started the warm up routine. Seconds later I was shocked that there was two right beside the boulder! And if you think you'll spot these things relatively easy, think again. Took me about a minute to find the second one even though I was staring directly down on him for awhile!

Be careful when climbing here! Reassuring to know you have cell service here as well.

Please, if you get bitten by a rattlesnake DO NOT TOURNIQUET, DO NOT CUT. Rattlesnake venom eats away at flesh and tissue, so throwing a tourniquet on only concentrates the affected area create excessive damage. The venom is much safer diluting in your bloodstream than setting in one area. Seriously, the best thing you can do in this most unfortunate situation is to immobilize your bite area as much as possible and get to a hospital ASAP.